PHYSICIANS AND CLINICIANS FAQ

Hyperbaric chamber information for physicians and clinicians

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The definition of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, as defined by the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is a hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO2) medical treatment, in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen while inside a treatment chamber at a pressure higher than sea level pressure (i.e., >1 atmosphere absolute; atm abs). It can be viewed as the new application of an old, established technology to help resolve certain recalcitrant, expensive, or otherwise hopeless medical problems. In certain circumstances, it represents the primary treatment modality, while in others it is an adjunct to surgical or pharmacologic interventions.

HBOT Treatment can be carried out in either a monoplace or multiplace chamber. Monoplace hyperbaric chambers accommodate a single patient, pressurizing the chamber with 100% oxygen that the patient breathes directly. Multiplace hyperbaric chambers accommodate 2 or more patients, observers, and/or support personnel, and is pressurized with 100% Oxygen that patients breathe via masks, head hoods, or endotracheal tubes.

What constitutes HBO2 therapy?
According to the UHMS definition and the determination of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other third party carriers, breathing 100% oxygen at 1 atmosphere of pressure or exposing isolated parts of the body to 100% oxygen does not constitute HBO2 therapy. The patient must receive the oxygen by inhalation within a pressurized chamber. Current information indicates that pressurization should be to 1.4 atm abs or higher.

What are the approved medical indication for use for HBOT?
The list of accepted indications for HBOT as a supporting modality varies widely from country to country. In the U.S. the accepted indications are those which attract reimbursement. This differs on a state-to-state basis and between third-party payers. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), a U.S.-based, international organization, is considered preeminent in the field of hyperbaric medicine in the U.S. and worldwide. The UHMS periodically publishes a report, assembled by a committee of North American experts in hyperbaric therapy, providing support, justification and guidance.

Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities in patients who meet the following three criteria:

Patient has type I or type II diabetes and has a lower extremity wound that is due to diabetes;

Patient has a wound classified as Wagner grade III or higher; and

Patient has failed an adequate course of standard wound therapy

How will using ETC hyperbaric chambers benefit my Center?
The state-of the-art ETC chambers will not only provide your Center with quantifiable cost-savings, the standard of patient care will be elevated to an unrivaled level of excellence in the HBOT industry.

How will using ETC chambers and programs benefit our patients?
ETC chambers include many innovations that benefit patients. Our SMOOTH RIDE curvilinear compression profile eliminates barotraumas by 67%*, allowing patients to enjoy a more pleasant treatment experience and increasing treatment completion rates. Our automated OSCAR and BARA·PRESS chamber automation technology streamlines patient care, allowing personnel to focus on the patient rather than the involved procedures or elaborate equipment operation. The BARA-MED Select also benefits the patients and personnel by allowing gurney undercarriage storage, which saves facility space and improves the workflow area, allowing a more efficient treatment experience.

Are there financing options available for hyperbaric chamber purchases?Yes. Acknowledging that each client typically has their own set of unique requirements, ETC can make a variety of customizable financing packages designed to meet those unique needs, while ensuring the same benefits (regardless of the financial packages chosen). Contact an ETC representative for more information on our hyperbaric chamber financing options.

Does ETC offer hyperbaric chamber rental or leasing programs as well?Yes. Contact our sales team to explain leasing option details, and discover which is best for your Center.

What cost-savings can our Center expect to receive using ETC chambers?
The primary cost-savings your center will realize when using an ETC hyperbaric chamber is in oxygen consumption. Each ETC chamber saves approximately $ 8,000.00 per year** by consuming 90 liters of oxygen per minute compared to 240 liters in competing chambers. These savings are realized with the first treatment and carry through with each subsequent treatment.** based off the average cost of gas multiplied by the difference of the flow through rate of our competitors and our chambers.

What other savings are there?
ETC’s BARA-MED line of hyperbaric chambers increase efficiency, reporting and documentation of treatments by utilizing our Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System. The EMR System provides the ability to keep an auditable, tamperproof, hard copy record of each treatment while providing the required copies needed for reimbursement. The organization and ease of operation increase efficiency, making sure each Center gets reimbursed for what they actually provide without anything slipping through the cracks. Visit ETC’s Electronic Medical System for more information.

Do you offer hyperbaric chamber maintenance and service?
ETC provides two comprehensive plans providing preventive hyperbaric chamber maintenance and extended warranty work. In emergency circumstances, we guarantee response within 48 hours to most locations, domestic or international . Contact ETC at 1-800-355-2200 or visit www.etcHyperbaricChambers/Service for more information.

Does ETC provide hyperbaric chamber training?
Training is provided as an option with each chamber sale. Training can occur either at each clients’ site or can take place in ETC’s dedicated HBOT training clinic, located at our corporate facility. Value added programs such as our operator training program equip each client’s personnel with the knowledge, upon program completion, to perform most service procedures themselves with a curriculum encompassing topics on software, automated and manual chamber control modes, fire safety, installation, routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Contact ETC at 1-800-355-2200 or visit www.etcHyperbaricChambers/Training for more information.

Do you offer any other special programs?Yes. Recognizing that each of our clients has unique needs, we offer a variety of programs that are customized to each set of individual requirements. Contact our sales department to receive additional information on these programs and start reaping the benefits.

They are easy to use and very intuitive from an operational standpoint. The CHTs are impressed with the in-depth training offered and the easy daily operation of the chambers. The controls are well-thought-out and easy to read, providing a clear visual.”